Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music

Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music offers a delightful way to see some of the island’s most iconic sights from the water. For around $89 per person, you’ll spend five hours aboard a spacious catamaran, exploring beneath the shimmering Aegean sun. The trip takes you past hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach—each with opportunities to swim and snorkel—and finishes with a breathtaking sunset if you choose the evening option. Along the way, expect a lively atmosphere, a tasty barbecue, and unlimited wine and soft drinks.

What we really like about this tour: first, the well-organized itinerary ensures you see several highlights without feeling rushed, and second, the friendly guides and crew add a personal touch that makes the experience genuinely enjoyable. The included food and drinks are plentiful and tasty, making the cruise feel like a floating feast. The only potential downside? If you’re not keen on a possibly crowded boat or if you prefer a more exclusive experience, this cruise’s maximum of 50-55 guests might be a bit lively for some.

This tour suits travelers who love a blend of sightseeing, socializing, and relaxing at sea. It’s especially good for those who want an active day of swimming and snorkeling but also enjoy good food, music, and scenic views. If you’re after a memorable, value-packed way to experience Santorini’s coast, this cruise hits most marks.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience with swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and dining.
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff help make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
• Great value considering the included food, drinks, and hotel pickup.
• Stunning locations like hot springs, Red Beach, and White Beach.
• Flexible options for sunset or day cruises to match your mood.
• Limited beach access means you’ll swim near but not directly on the beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Santorini Catamaran Experience

When we first considered this tour, what stood out was the combination of sightseeing and relaxation. For just under $90, you get a 5-hour cruise on a comfortable, well-sized catamaran with plenty of opportunity to explore the waters around Santorini. The vessel options—either the 74-foot Ocean Voyager or the 80-foot Tahiti—are both spacious enough to accommodate up to 55 guests comfortably, so you don’t feel cramped even in the popular summer months.

The Itinerary and Stops

The cruise begins with a hotel pickup, typically up to 1.5 hours before departure, ensuring a hassle-free start. Once on board, the crew takes you to the hot springs—a highlight for many—where you can soak in warm, sulfurous waters. We loved the way this stop feels both unique and soothing, with clear waters and a bit of a healthful twist.

Next, the boat heads to Red Beach, renowned for its dramatic red cliffs and fine volcanic sand. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel—an opportunity for travelers to dip into the cool saltwater and explore beneath the surface. Many reviewers, including Rylie, mention how “the snorkeling was amazing”, and that the guides made the experience enjoyable with helpful advice.

The third stop is White Beach, only accessible by sea, with towering white cliffs that provide a spectacular backdrop for swimming and relaxing. We loved the way the boat gets close enough to enjoy the scenery but doesn’t moor directly on the beach, which is good for safety and environmental reasons.

The Onboard Experience

Throughout the cruise, you’re treated to music and cheerful chatter, creating a lively, festive mood. The crew, including guides like Giannis, are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They’re attentive without being overbearing, making sure everyone is comfortable and safe.

The barbecue meal is another standout. Expect a variety of salads, grilled meats, and veggie options, all served with unlimited white wine and soft drinks. Several reviews, including Laila’s, highlight the “fantastic food” and “tasty barbecue” as a real high point. It’s a nice touch that the drinks are pre-made, allowing for easy sipping while enjoying the scenery.

Sunset or Daytime?

You can choose a sunset cruise, which is especially popular for the breathtaking views as the sun dips below the caldera—many travelers, like Vanessa, note that “even in October, the sunset was stunning”. The sunset cruise offers a more romantic or contemplative experience, with the boat staying afloat to watch the horizon. The daytime option is perfect if you prefer more swimming and less focus on the sunset.

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What to Expect and What to Bring

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a map of Santorini’s landmarks, onboard restrooms, and safety information. To get the most from your experience, bring essentials like a passport or ID, a sun hat, sunscreen, and swimwear. A towel is handy, although towels aren’t provided, and a light jacket is advisable if you’re sensitive to wind or cooler evenings.

The Pros and Cons

With over 4,600 reviews averaging a 4.6/5 rating, it’s clear most travelers find this cruise excellent value. The positive feedback about the crew, scenery, and food is consistent. However, it’s worth noting that beach mooring is not possible, so if you’re hoping for a beach day, this cruise might feel more like a scenic sea tour than a beach holiday. Also, the maximum group size, while comfortable for most, might be busy for those seeking complete privacy.

Why This Tour Is Worth It

For travelers seeking a well-rounded Santorini experience—including swimming, spectacular scenery, good food, and friendly guides—this cruise ticks all boxes. Many reviews describe it as “a highlight of the trip” or “worth every penny”, especially highlighting the variety of locations visited and the quality of the onboard meal and drinks.

The value for money is clear: compared to land-based activities that might only offer views or limited swimming options, this cruise provides a full sensory experience—sights, sounds, flavors, and fun in one package.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This cruise suits those who enjoy a social, lively atmosphere but still want comfort and beautiful scenery. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, honeymooners, or anyone wanting to relax without the hassle of organizing multiple transport or excursions. If you’re a water enthusiast eager to snorkel, or simply love the idea of a scenic boat ride with good food, this tour is a superb choice.

However, if you’re seeking a more secluded or beach-only experience, or if mobility is an issue (since it’s not wheelchair accessible), you might want to explore other options.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts 5 hours, making it a manageable day trip without feeling overly long.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the catamaran cruise, drinks (including unlimited wine and soft drinks), a barbecue dinner, hotel pickup and drop-off, onboard music, restroom access, and safety information.

Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, the barbecue includes veggie options alongside grilled meats, catering to different dietary preferences.

Is there a sunset option?
Yes, you can choose a sunset cruise, which offers stunning views as the sun sets over the caldera.

How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is around 50-55 guests, which offers a lively atmosphere but still enough space to relax.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket for the evening.

Can I swim and snorkel at all stops?
Yes, plenty of time is allocated for swimming and snorkeling at each location, with many travelers praising the experience.

Is hotel pickup guaranteed?
Most hotels or nearby pickup points are accessible, with pickup times up to 1.5 hours before departure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The cruise is not suited for wheelchair users, and access to beaches is limited to swimming near the shore, not on the beaches themselves.

In short, this Santorini catamaran cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, fun, and good food. It’s especially suited for those who want a lively, social atmosphere combined with authentic island views. If you’re looking for a memorable, value-packed day on the water that leaves plenty of room for swimming, eating, and relaxing, this tour could be just the perfect fit.

You can check availability for your dates here: